The Allure of Rare Grapes: Discovering Forgotten Grape Varieties That Are Making a Comeback
Italy is a country rich in wine biodiversity, with over 500 varieties of native grapes. Some of these vines, however, have been almost forgotten over the centuries, supplanted by more common and easy-to-grow varieties. In recent years, however, there has been a rediscovery of these rare grapes, with courageous winemakers who have decided to bring them back to life. An example is the Picolit vine, originally from Friuli Venezia Giulia, which produces a sweet and complex wine, but whose cultivation had almost disappeared due to its poor yield.
Today, thanks to improved cultivation techniques, Picolit is experiencing a new youth. Another rediscovered grape variety is Timorasso, a Piedmontese variety that, until a few decades ago, was almost extinct. Today, thanks to the passion of some winemakers, Timorasso has returned to being appreciated for its ability to produce white wines of great structure and longevity. These rare grape varieties represent not only a precious genetic heritage, but also a testimony to the cultural and historical richness of Italian winemaking.
